Cold Frame Gardening

Cold frame gardening can be termed as a system for using a cold frame structure to grow plants, flowers, or vegetables. The cold frame is essentially a metal frame with an attached air mattress which is used to keep the plants warm during the colder months of the year. The hotbed or hotbeds as they are more popularly known are generally made of wood and have an inner heat source. A hotbed will typically use wood that is already pre-heated and has no heating source built into it. The cold frame gardening system can be designed to be as simple or complex as you like and can be designed to accommodate as many plants as you like.

As far as how to make a cold frame gardening system simple is to just get a cold frame. This is the least expensive of the cold frame gardening systems. If you already own a hotbed you may want to explore the possibility of getting an additional hotbed along with the cold frame. Many people find this a much better solution, especially if they already own a hotbed.

The other option you have is to get a hotbed that is already built and integrated into the frame. These hotbeds can be purchased fairly cheaply and you will have the option of buying them pre-made or more specifically built. In this case, the options are endless and you will find there are plenty of hotbeds to choose from. You can also find hotbeds that are not necessarily built from metal but that use wood as the heat source.

The third option you have when it comes to cold frame gardening systems is to go completely without a heating system at all. Many gardeners prefer this way of gardening because they do not have the problems associated with using wood or metal. When using a cold frame you are not subject to drafts. This is a huge benefit. With a metal or wooden hotbed, you are subject to cold drafts during the winter months.

Another benefit you will find when using a cold frame is that you can enjoy a higher yield. When you are growing in a cold frame garden you will notice that your yields are a lot greater. This is because you are not subject to rising temperatures. This allows you to put on the smallest amount of fertilizer which leads to better root growth.

One of the downsides to cold frame gardening is that you are limited in the amount of space you have for growing. If you are a gardener that loves to grow close to home, you may want to consider a small electric hotbed. These hotbeds only take up a very small amount of space and can be used for just about any type of garden. Many of them are small enough to fit on a tabletop and some are even smaller. These are great options for people that have limited space.

Some people are more worried about the lack of heat. With cold frame gardening, you do not have this concern. The heat is built into the frame so all you need to worry about is the water. Most of these units will not require any type of heat lamp.

When deciding on what type of cold frame gardening unit is best for you, there are many things to take into consideration. Make sure to get one that has a good track record. A unit that has been on the market for several years is a good choice. You should also make sure that it comes with a warranty. This will help protect you in case anything should happen to it.